Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has eased pressure on winger Raheem Sterling by insisting that he is still just a youngster.

The 18-year-old burst onto the scene for the Reds last season, but has had limited first-team opportunities at Anfield during the current campaign.

The England Under-21 international has come into the side of late following the injury suffered to Daniel Sturridge, and he joined Luis Suarez in finding the back of the net in Liverpool's 5-1 win over Norwich City on Wednesday.

"Raheem is still only a very young player," Rodgers told the club's official website. "I thought his finish on Wednesday night was excellent. It probably got lost in and amongst Luis' goals and his assist.

"But we've just encouraged the front players to take more of a risk and get into the box. It was a wonderful finish off his left side. We mustn't forget that he's a boy of 18 years of age, who is developing all the time."

Sterling signed a new long-term contract at Anfield earlier this year.